Welcome

GIS users deal with large, complex data. However, many GIS users still rely on shapefiles or other antiquated forms of vector data. Even ESRI’s “new” file geodatabase lacks the functionality you get from a true DBMS. Creating your own database server can be a daunting task. Even if you set one up and load your data, you are just scratching the surface of what is possible.

Learn Spatial SQL will help guide you through implementing your own database system, as well as demonstrating how much of your regular GIS workflow can be incorporated directly into your database, using SQL.

While many DBMSs are expensive, one of the best, fully-featured database systems today is the free and open source PostgreSQL. Coupled with the PostGIS extension, you can manage immense data sets and perform complicated tasks all through SQL.

Beginners, fear not. While we will go into advanced topics, this blog will strive to be as approachable and inclusive as possible.